Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOOTBALL legend, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, has backed Premiership debutants Scottland to go all the way and win the championship and equal a four-decade record set by Black Rhinos.
Mtizwa starred for Black Rhinos when they won the then Super League on their debut season in 1984.
Just like Scottland, Black Rhinos arrived on to the scene with swagger, raiding big clubs Dynamos and CAPS United of their star players like Mtizwa, Stanley “Sinyo” Ndunduma, Hamid Dhana and Japhet Mparutsa.
Revered coaches, Ashton “Papa” Nyazika, now late, left CAPS United where he had won several cups and also joined Chauya Chipembere.
Shepherd Murape who had also won the championship before with Dynamos also joined Black Rhinos.
Just like then, Scottland have also attracted stars like the Musona brothers Knowledge and Walter, as well as Khama Billiat.
2024 Soccer Star of the Year finalists Tymon Machope, Godknows Murwira and Kingsley Mureremba are also at Scottland.
Reigning Coach of the Year, Tonderai Ndiraya, also left defending champions Simba Bhora to join Mabviravira.
Just like Black Rhinos back then, Scottland are also now on the verge of winning the Premiership title in their maiden season.
They sit atop the log with 59 points and four clear of Simba Bhora and MWOS.
Scottland will move an inch closer to the title if they beat MWOS next weekend.
They will play Kwekwe United (away), Greenfuel (home) and TelOne (away) in their last three matches of the season.
And Mtizwa, who was instrumental for Black Rhinos back in 1984, has tipped Mabviravira to emulate his former club.
“It was so overwhelming getting promoted and then to be crowned the Super League champions, it was so amazing,” Mtizwa recalled.
“Black Rhinos were the first team ever to do that and we had two great coaches in Murape and the late Nyazika.
“That was a beautiful combination.
“We had quality on the field, players like Mparutsa in goals, renowned players such as Dhana, Ndunduma and Maronga Nyangela.”
Scottland reminds Mtizwa of Black Rhinos’ Class of ‘84.
“Scottland are a good team, they have what it takes to achieve what we achieved back in 1984,” said Mtizwa.
Former Lancashire Steel and Dynamos star midfielder, Justice Majabvi also agrees with Mtizwa, on Scottland’s capacity.
“It’s been a while, since a brand new team won the Premier Soccer League title but I think with Scottland it’s possible,” said Majabvi.
“One thing about Scotland is that they have been very professional and they have everything in terms of quality of players and a good coach as well.
“I won’t see them giving anyone a chance, but you never know with football.
“There are many things involved, positive and negative but the best way is for them to keep focused, which they are doing now,” added Majabvi, who also had a stint in Austria at the peak of his athletic powers.
